The 'Bundesförderung für Energie- und Ressourceneffizienz in der Wirtschaft' supports companies and self-employed professionals in increasing their energy and resource efficiency. The program provides low-interest loans of up to 100.000.000 Euro per project, including attractive repayment bonuses (up to 60%) and interest rate reductions. It is administered through the KfW Bank and alternatively through direct investment grants by the BAFA.

The program includes six modules:

Module 1 – Cross-sectional technologies**: Supports replacement of outdated systems with high-efficiency components (motors, compressors, heat exchangers, insulation, frequency converters).

Module 2 – Process heat from renewable energy**: Covers solar thermal, biomass, geothermal systems, and heat pumps used for process heat.

Module 3 – Measurement, control, regulation, sensor tech and energy management software**: Funds the installation and training costs for systems that monitor and control energy and material flows.

Module 4 – Energy and resource optimization of systems and processes**: Includes basic and premium funding for production process optimization, heat/cooling/ventilation systems, electrification, waste heat utilization, and transition to renewable energy sources.

Module 5 – Transformation plans**: Funding for planning a company’s transition toward climate neutrality, including the development of a transformation roadmap.

Module 6 – Electrification of small enterprises**: Covers retrofitting or replacing fossil-fuel-based systems with electric-powered alternatives.

Loans can cover up to 100% of eligible costs. Minimum loan duration is two years, with optional repayment-free periods (up to 3 years). Terms range up to 20 years. The loan is disbursed at 100% and can be repaid early with a fee. Tilgungszuschüsse (repayment bonuses) and Zinssubventionen (interest rate reductions) apply based on company size and project type.

Applications must be submitted through a financial partner prior to project start. In most modules, an energy efficiency expert’s confirmation or savings concept is required.